Time for changing money, etc. Conditions permitting, we take an optional walk along the Mount Carmel ridge. Along the way we consider Biblical imagery from the surrounding landscapes. The hike ends at Muhraqa, site of the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The afternoon is free for  rest. Overnight on Mt Carmel.

We begin to focus on the religious, social and political turmoil existing in the land of Israel prior to and during the first century A.D. At Caesarea, site of the conversion of Cornelius, we consider the tension between Jews and Gentiles during the New Testament period. On the way to Tiberias we visit Nazareth, the site of the early phase of Jesus' life and ministry. Overnight at Kibbutz Ma'agan or similar accommodation along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Today we explore the upper regions of Israel to the foot of Mount Hermon. We stop briefly at Metulla, Israel's northern border with Lebanon for a consideration of the current political situation. Continuing on to Tel Dan, important in Biblical times and today a modern nature reserve, we not only enjoy the flora and fauna along this source of the Jordan River but also visit the site of the Ancient Israelite city of Dan. In the afternoon we travel to the magnificient waterfalls of Banyas (Caesarea Philippi) and later ascend by bus to the lower slopes of Mount Hermon, where we consider the account of the Transfiguration. From here we continue up onto the Golan Heights; and travel along the Israeli-Syrian cease-fire lines.

Today we focus on some of the different aspects of Jesus' ministry in this region (e.g. Jewish backround to his teachings, the Sabbath healings, etc.) as well as the various religious parties and their importance for understanding the synoptic Gospels. In connection with these themes we visit Chorazin, the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, the Tabgha area and take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.

We travel to Jerusalem via the Jordan Valley. On our way we visit the Biblical city of Beth Shean to examine the recent excavations of its Roman Byzantine period when it was the location of Scythopolis, one of the ten Hellenistic Cities of the Decapolis. At the ancient synagogue of Beth Alpha we consider the emergence and divergence of Christianity from its Jewish context. At Sachne we stop for lunch and a quick swim (conditions permitting) in the natural pools. We end the day with a scenic overlook of Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Time for rest, leisure, shopping etc.

The Jordan Valley as the site of religious and political refuge is the focus of today's programme. After an early start we visit the site of the fortress of Masada, used by Herod the Great and later a Zealot stronghold. In the area of Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul, we take time to swim in the Dead Sea. For those who wish, there is an option of hiking in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve instead of swimming. At the close of the day we stop at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. At the site of the ancient Essene community we explore the relationship of their teachings and those of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Today begins with a free morning (usually Sunday Morning Worship), and in the afternoon we turn our attention to the modern situation by examining the theological roots of antisemitism, the restoration of the Jewish people to their ancestral home, and the growth of the Body of Christ in Israel. In connection with these themes we visit Yad VaShem (the memorial of the Holocaust) and Yad Hashmona, a Jewish-Christian moshav located on the ancient road to Emmaus, or Bethlehem (conditions permitting).

Today we explore Jerusalem of the Herodian period immediately prior to and during the life of Jesus. In connection with our teaching material we visit the Herodian Estates in the Jewish Quarter, the area of the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, Ophel Gardens, Southern Wall excavations or other sites in the Jewish Quarter.

The morning begins with a brief teaching on the historical framework for the events of the last week of Jesus' earthly life. We then visit the site of the High Priest Caiaphas' house, walk to the Garden of Gethsemane, the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. In the evening we celebrate a Passover meal very much like the one which Jesus shared with his disciples during the Last Supper.